genomics

Genomic analysis could allow B.C. dairies to predict which calves will become elite milkers, with the promise of huge savings for farmers who don’t have to raise inferior cows that will ultimately be made into hamburgers and bologna.

Using cells recovered from hair samples taken from young heifers, veterinarian Martin Darrow and University of B.C. animal reproduction biologist Ronaldo Cerri can examine 12,000 genetic markers in each animal’s DNA to determine which are most likely to be elite milk producers.